Analysis & Reports

U.S. President Trump pressured NATO allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, warning of dire consequences if they do not respond. Allies, including the UK and Germany, expressed reluctance to engage militarily, with some countries outright rejecting participation. Trump indicated he has requested naval support from around seven nations, while discussions about forming an 'escort alliance' are ongoing.

Lockheed Martin conducted the first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 in Washington, successfully demonstrating its capability to target moving maritime threats. The missile, launched from a HIMARS system, has a range of 500 km and is currently in the technology-maturation phase. Additional flight tests are planned for later this year as the program progresses towards operational capability.

David Goggins reenlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 51 and is currently undergoing special operations training with the Special Warfare Training Wing. His return to active duty has generated discussion within veteran communities, particularly regarding his attempt to become a pararescueman after previously dropping out of training. Goggins is recognized for his unique fitness challenges and motivational speaking career.

Navy personnel in Chimera Detachment Alpha are earning the Craftmaster Insignia for their roles in operating medium unmanned surface vessels, including Sea Hawk and Sea Hunter. This initiative, revealed in January 2023, aims to integrate unmanned warfare specialists into the fleet and recognize their competencies. The Navy is also developing an Advanced Qualification Designation for Unmanned Surface Vessel Operators as part of this effort.

Ukrainian forces intensified their medium and long-range strike campaign against Russian military infrastructure in March 2026, targeting locations such as Krasnodar Krai and Belgorod City. France committed to supplying Ukraine with SAMP/T NG air defense systems for battlefield testing. Ukrainian operations included strikes on oil facilities and air defense systems, while Russian forces launched a significant number of drones and missiles. The situation indicates a strategic effort by Ukraine to degrade Russian capabilities ahead of anticipated offensives.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Six new soldiers from the 72nd Group Army participated in rigorous training at the Southeast training ground, focusing on artillery operations. They were awarded commendations for their performance, with one soldier injured during training. The unit was recognized as a 'Model Rocket Artillery Company', and the soldiers chose to extend their service beyond their mandatory term.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 NGAD integrates the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to enhance air superiority and suppress enemy defenses. This capability is designed for Operation Epic Fury in 2026, allowing the F-47 to target advanced air defense systems effectively. The SiAW's internal carriage within the F-47's stealth bays enables close-in strikes, improving responsiveness against mobile threats.

The U.S. Navy revived its railgun program for the Trump-Class Battleship, conducting tests at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This initiative aims to integrate advanced weaponry, including railguns, into the 35,000-ton battleship design. Concurrently, Japan is advancing its own railgun technology through the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.

North Korea launched over 10 ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026, prompting Japan to restructure its Maritime Self-Defense Force, with a new 'Fleet Surface Force' set to be established on March 23. Japan plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by March 2026, enhancing its defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the region. Concurrently, Japan and South Korea are deepening defense cooperation, including joint naval exercises.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is decommissioning early models of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) due to significant mechanical issues and combat ineffectiveness. The program, which cost $22 billion, has been criticized for failing to meet operational requirements, leading to a reliance on the delayed Constellation-class frigate. The Navy has also canceled the Anti-Submarine Warfare module, further highlighting the program's shortcomings.

The U.S. Navy conducted live-fire testing of an electromagnetic railgun prototype at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing supports the development of hypersonic weapons, marking a revival of the railgun program that was shelved in 2021 due to technical issues. The railgun is now being utilized as a research tool for hypersonic materials and sensors.

The U.S. Navy has extended the service life of the USS Nimitz until March 2027, delaying its planned decommissioning. The carrier is currently shifting its homeport to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, after completing a nine-month deployment. This decision allows the Navy to maintain its fleet of 11 aircraft carriers while awaiting the delivery of the new Ford-class carrier, John F. Kennedy.

The U.S. Navy has extended the service life of the USS Nimitz until March 2027, reversing plans to retire the aircraft carrier. The Nimitz recently completed a nine-month deployment supporting U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, including operations against ISIS in Somalia. It will now shift to Naval Station Norfolk for inactivation and defueling.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) completed its sea trials in San Diego on March 14, 2026, following a significant overhaul. The U.S. Navy is modifying the destroyer to replace its Advanced Gun System with a Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic battery, aiming to enhance its deterrent capabilities against near-peer adversaries.

Julius Caesar commanded 60,000 Roman legionaries against over 330,000 Gallic forces at the Battle of Alesia in September 52 BC. The Romans constructed defensive walls and successfully repelled multiple Gallic attacks, leading to the surrender of Vercingetorix. This victory established Roman dominance in Gaul for the next 500 years.

The MiG-25 Foxbat, evaluated for its speed and combat legacy, was involved in significant air engagements, including the downing of a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet during the Gulf War. Lt. Viktor Belenko's defection in 1976 revealed its technical limitations to the West. The aircraft was retired from service by Algeria in July 2022, with the Syrian fleet destroyed by December 2024. Currently, 15 MiG-25 airframes are preserved in various museums.

The MiG-25 Foxbat, a Soviet interceptor, was operational from 1970 until its retirement in 2022. It achieved a notable air-to-air kill against a U.S. Navy F/A-18 during the Gulf War. The aircraft's technical limitations were exposed following Lt. Viktor Belenko's defection in 1976, leading to its analysis by Western forces. Ultimately, the MiG-25's legacy includes its role in various conflicts and its eventual obsolescence, with only a few specimens preserved in museums today.

A malfunction in the fuze of an M795 155mm artillery round caused it to explode prematurely during a live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton on October 18, 2025. The incident resulted in shrapnel falling onto Interstate 5, but no injuries were reported. Six M777 howitzers from the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment were involved in the demonstration, which was attended by high-ranking officials.

Lt. Col. Paul Anderson concluded his 36-year military career this month, achieving over 6,000 flight hours as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He served with the 305th Rescue Squadron, conducting combat search and rescue missions, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan and notable operations during Hurricane Katrina. Anderson is recognized for setting a record for the most flying hours among U.S. Air Force helicopter pilots.

NATO is transforming its defense strategy, focusing on integrated air and missile defense plans in response to hybrid threats, particularly from Russia. Operation Eastern Sentry was activated due to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, showcasing NATO's shift in military priorities. By 2035, Europe aims to take a leading role in its conventional defense, supported by increased defense spending and strategic initiatives from the EU. Discussions are ongoing about establishing a permanent NATO mission in Greenland.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Mar 13 2026Loading...